NIC to Investigate Allegations of Excessive Force by Police During Protest
Journalist protesting outside the Maldivian Parliament on September 16, 2025 | Photo: MV+
The National Integrity Committee (NIC) has announced it will investigate allegations that the Maldives Police Service (MPS) used excessive force against journalists during a protest outside Parliament on 16 September.
The demonstration took place as MPs debated the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, which proposes replacing the current self-regulatory system with a government-controlled commission. Journalists, opposition members and members of the public gathered near the Parliament building to voice their concerns.
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The MPS has denied accusations of brutality, stating that officers acted within operational protocols and applied only the minimum force necessary. The agency said no tear gas, pepper spray, batons or other crowd-control equipment were used, and emphasised that restraint was applied only when required.
pic.twitter.com/gRDNTvaUYF— National Integrity Commision (@NIC_Maldives) September 23, 2025
However, images circulating that day show the use of force against journalists, and a member of the then-existing Maldives Media Council (MMC), Nahudha Faiz, described how she had been bruised by the police officers at the scene of the protest in their attempt to move her from the location.
In a press statement issued on 18 September, the MPS confirmed that its Professional Standards Command has launched an internal review into the operation. The service pledged to take disciplinary or legal action if any misconduct or breach of protocol is identified.
